Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Knowledge Aflame

I love unearthing gems of information through talking to people, reading, attending conferences, joining museum tours, and on and on and on.

Here's the scene of the last treasure hunt I went on. — Actual rooms at LTUE where I found an immense stash of knowledge!

Doesn't it just give you thrills?

To think of the vast store of knowledge just out there waiting for us to discover it—now that's a thrilling adventure. — And one of the reasons I love LTUE so much. Such a variety and depth of classes, you can't help but learn scads!

Among my favorites are the student presentations on papers they've written, and classes that are worlds away from what I write. I find the best sparks there! —Here's a great example—

Last year at LTUE, at the last class of the day, there wasn't a class I was especially interested in, so I attended one titled Lovecraft. I figured even though I didn't write romance, I could learn something.

I settled in, the presenters spoke, and WHAT DID THEY JUST SAY?! Lovecraft is a horror writer?! Seriously? Lovecraft?! Unbelievable!

I almost left the class since I don't write or read horror, but I stayed for that spark, remember. And I'm so glad I did. The panel wasn't anything like I thought it would be, and I took a page and a half of notes. AND—I used a spark of an idea from the class in my current novel! Yes!

So in your knowledge expeditions, don't push away the places that look odd, despicable, boring—dig for the sparks!

Oh, and I have to tell you—

ONE OF MY FAVORITE PRESENTERS IS CLINT JOHNSON.

He's brilliant! If you ever get a chance to attend one of his classes, run! And be ready to catch all the sparks. At his presentation on Voice & Style last year at the League of Utah Writers Conference, he urged us to do something we'd never done before, something we'd never had any desire to do.

Like say, you've never had an inkling to watch a demolition derby—GO DO IT! It'll enrich your life, your writing, and your understanding and enjoyment of the people around you.